I'm sailing on the Grand Princess in January. I'm just curious to know if Princess has a "Captain's Gala Cocktail Hour" similar to what they do on the first formal night on Carnival. Also, do they do 'open bars'(Carnival does Rum Swizzles in the casino some nights) and offer free champagne at the art auctions? Just curious...

Also, does anyone know what complimentary beverages are offered at dinner and at the buffet/Lido deck? Once again, I'm just curious.

I've only sailed with Carnival previously, and this is my husband's first cruise. I want to be able to 'debrief' him beforehand. We're trying to keep our out of pocket expenses low, so expenitures on drinks are a no-no.

I've never had a problem with bring alcohol on board with Carnival(although their policy says otherwise!), but I'm a little nervous due to the liquor threads I've read. Hopefully, they are a little lax. It's not as if we're throwing back brown paper bags on the Lido deck!

It appears Princess has cut out the Captains welcome and fairwell cocktail parties on it's ships.(just returned Saturday from Ocean Princess 10day).
Drinks available in dining room and lido deck include water ,iced tea ,coffee and tea. Anything else is extra. You can buy a soda card ($20.00 on the 10 day)
good for unlimited fountain soda at any bar and in dining room.A bargain if you drink 2 sodas a day or more.
There were several days where Active players were offered drinks in the casino, but certainly not at all times. There apparently was champagne at the art auctions.
I did see a group behind me openly bring on a large volume of liquor, beer and mixers. That does not mean that the next person wouldn't be stopped.
Enjoy your cruise.

Hi: We had no problems with bringing our own liquor on board the Dawn. We were at port the night before and we very carefully packed the liquor in our luggage which we handed over to the porter at the dock. Of course, if your bags are going to go on the plane and direct to the ship, I would not do it this way. One thing we did notice is that there is not a lot of room in the refrigerator so you my have to be creative. Regarding those "expenditures". It is so easy to sit on the deck pool side, as you slightly raise you hand at the passing waiter. Why yes! I'll have another. Enjoy Princess. They do it well. Bob